How Do I Convert an HTML Template to a WordPress theme

Even though there are ready-made templates available, there
are many who want to use the same HTML template in WordPress. This is because
while making the transition from HTML to WordPress, they do not want the
audiences to feel different. Moreover, it is quite easy to make suitable
templates in HTML and therefore, some people want to use the HTML template in
WordPress. There are different ways available to make a transition from HTML
template to WordPress theme.

Ways To Convert HTML Template To WordPress Theme –

1. Manually – It is a technical move, and you need to have enough knowledge of coding. This is because you are going to use your existing code and convert it into WordPress theme files. It is not complicated if you have knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP knowledge. Most of the work is just copy and paste with modifications here and there.

2. WordPress Child Theme – Rather than doing it manually, it is far better to opt for HTML to WordPress via WordPress child theme. It is very easy and requires less effort. In this, you are going to use a basic and ready-made WordPress theme and convert it as HTML template. Therefore, instead of starting from HTML template to WordPress theme, you are starting with WordPress theme and modifying it to look and feel exactly like HTML template. Therefore, the basic features and functionalities of WordPress theme will stay intact, and it will sync well with the overall system.

3. Import Content – If you can find a relatable WordPress
theme that looks close to your HTML theme, the task will be easier. This is
because it does not matter how good a programmer you are when you convert an
HTML template into a WordPress theme, there are always some features and
functionalities missing. These features and layouts are exclusively available
in ready-made WordPress themes. Therefore, if you prefer to use a WordPress
theme, then you can just import the content from the HTML template. It is a
quick and painless process, and your website will be better for you and your
audiences.

Elaborating The Processes –

1. Manual Transition –

You need to create a theme folder, and you can do on your
desktop. Then you have to create a number of text files namely, style.css,
index.php, header.php, sidebar.php, and footer.php. You have to copy the
existing CSS from HTML template to WordPress style.csss. Besides, you have to
divide your HTML template into multiple parts namely, header, sidebar, footer
and body(index). If you already have them divided, it is better.

Otherwise, you have to do it manually and carefully.
Moreover, there are a lot of technical changes you have to make starting from
<link> tag to PHP code wherever appropriate. When everything is done, you
have to upload the theme folder in a ZIP file and then install WordPress and go
to Appearance> Themes> Add New and Upload. Select the Zip file and
install after uploading.

2. Via WordPress Child Theme –

First, you have to choose a suitable theme which can be a
framework and starter theme. The basic structure will be present, and you have
to create a theme folder. Then you have to go on to create the style.css and
functions.php and inherit all the parent styles. Instead of activating the
parent theme, you have to activate the child theme. All the things of the
parent theme will be overridden by the child theme features and
functionalities. You got to make the
necessary changes, and you can watch the changes as the child theme will be
live.

3. Importing Content –

As mentioned previously, the third method involves
transferring only the content as the theme will be from WordPress. There is no
technical change required. There is a dedicated plugin available to import, and
it is named HTML Import 2. Install it and activate it and you need to have all
the HTML files on your server. You can import a single page as well as multiple
at once.

You will come across a configuration screen where you have
to fill all the details perfectly so that the files sync with one another
perfectly. The configuration screen has many tabs which address specific items
and sections of the theme. Starting from title, metadata, and categories to
tags, custom fields, and much more, everything is present for a perfect
transition.

If you think that the process is tough for you, you can
always opt for paid services to convert your HTML template to WordPress theme
seamlessly. It is a better option as the professional service providers can do
it perfectly and in less time. The cost
will depend on the complexity of the HTML template. Besides, it is easier to
move the HTML 5 template to WordPress theme because most of the things are
easily convertible.